Minor eruption recorded at Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — A minor phreatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas yesterday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the eruption at the summit crater was captured by a time-lapse camera at 4:33 p.m. It produced white plumes that rose 300 meters above the vent.

Aside from the eruption, nine volcanic earthquakes were recorded around the volcano in the past 24 hours.

Six of the quakes were volcanic in origin, including one continuous tremor that started at 6:53 a.m. on Wednesday.

Phivolcs monitored moderate sulfur dioxide emissions averaging at 1,749 tons per day, producing plumes that rose 600 meters and drifted southwest.

State volcanologists said they also detected a short-term inflation of the Taal Volcano Island.

Alert Level 1 remained hoisted over Taal Volcano.

Authorities reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially at the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remained prohibited due to possible sudden steam-driven explosions, volcanic quakes, ashfall and toxic gas emissions.

Boating in Taal Lake and flying an aircraft near the volcano are also banned.